February 25, 2007

Tkachuk to the Thrashers as NHL Moving Day approaches: In the wake of Peter Forsberg heading to Nashville, the Atlanta Thrashers acquired Keith Tkachuk from the St. Louis Blues on Sunday. The Blues get Glen Metropolit, first- and third-round picks this year and a second rounder in 2008. Atlanta also nabbed Alexei Zhitnik from Philly on Saturday. Who else should be packing their bags, who should be in the market and what moves should your team make?

I want the Wings to make a move. With Forsberg being traded to Nashville, the two top options were Tkachuk and Gurein, but since St. Louis is in the same division it made a trade unlikely. I'm still hoping they may nab Gurein, but I think Gary Roberts of the Panthers may be a more likely choice.

As a Blues fan, I'm extrely pleased with this trade. John Davidson just took a frightened Don Waddell (who has to think he's fired if the Thrashers don't make the playoffs) to the woodshed. St. Louis even gets another first-round pick in 2008 if Atlanta resigns Tkachuk in the offseason. Maple Leafs fans keep talking about acquiring Gary Roberts. My understanding is the Panthers want Alexander Steen in return, and to that I say, "Go shit in your hat, Jacques." Toronto fans should be calling for the trade of Darcy Tucker, Mats Sundin and anything else not nailed down to get some more decent young offensive talent in the fold.

Toronto fans should be calling for the trade of Darcy Tucker, Mats Sundin and anything else not nailed down to get some more decent young offensive talent in the fold. I don't see the reasoning in trading Sundin. He's their best player. He's their most popular player. Trading him will lead to a firestorm from the media and the fans, and I'm not sure that Ferguson would be able to get enough young stars to make it worth it. Who will take Sundin (assuming he would allow himself to be traded), and what package could possibly convince the Leafs to deal their signature player? It would be like the Avalanche trading Joe Sakic, and I really don't think that's going to happen.

I'd hate to see Sundin traded (unless it is a Recchi type rental and resign situation). He's 2 goals from the franchise goal scoring record. I gotta hand it to Atlanta, this is kind of a make or break season for them, gotta make the playoffs, looked to be in good shape but have really slid. At least they are doing something about it. I'd back them, for franchise stability sake, to at least make the playoffs but at this point that looks like they'd be competing with Toronto or Montreal for the last couple of spots (unless the Thrashers can win their division) and if the Leafs and Habs are out i'll be unhappy. I won't be backing the Sens.

Having Mats Sundin as Toronto's best player has done exactly what for them? He's currently 46th in the league in scoring, he's 36 years old and costs the Leafs $6.84M this year and next (if they pick up the option). Screw the fans and the media. They're the same two groups who create incredible pressure for the Leafs to make another stupid move at the trade deadline ("Hey, does anyone have an aging player we can have for some of our youthful talent? Anyone?"). It's time for Toronto to understand they have to get worse before they can get better, and if you can find someone to absorb his salary, you deal away an aging star for a prospect, a pick or two and some cap room. I have nothing against Mats. He's a great guy, a very good player and a terrific spokesman for hockey. None of that makes me think the Leafs are going anywhere with him. Here's someone else who agrees with me.

Guérin, Tkachuk and Roberts are the best options available? In this case, the best move is to pass. Who else should be packing their bags, who should be in the market and what moves should your team make? I'd love for the Habs to unload some salary, but I only see two guys in their payroll that earn more than a million and would generate interest: Souray and Markov. They're not going to move both of them. If I was Gainey, I'd deal Souray. I have no idea how much he could get in return of M. Slapshot, though. Even with Huet's injury, the Canadiens brass doesn't seem ready yet to throw in the towel and start selling. I don't get it, and I don't agree.

i hate st louis but think legace is one of the best goalies in the league, im really a red wings fan. But since losing players like yzerman retired and shanahan rangers, legace blues. ive liked st louis more and more lately. losing thachuk is sad for the city because he will be missed for the rest of the season, but if he resigns in the off-season st louis will be a top team again next year or in 2009 Cahokia,IL (5 miles from downtown St. Louis)

Having Mats Sundin as Toronto's best player has done exactly what for them? He's currently 46th in the league in scoring, he's 36 years old and costs the Leafs $6.84M this year and next (if they pick up the option). Well, they are only a point or two away from making the playoffs this year, so it may be a bit early to be raising the white flag. The problem I have is that no one has given me any indication that the players they'd get in return would be worth the trouble of trading Sundin.

>The Thrashers are monopolizing the market on consonant-consonant-vowel-consonant-consonant-vowel-k players This might be my favourite spofi comment ever. That seems a bit steep price for Walter, er, Keith Tkachuk. >He's currently 46th in the league in scoring Well, Mats missed seven games. He's scored a point-a-game. With those seven games he would be twenty-fifth in league scoring.

Well, they are only a point or two away from making the playoffs this year, so it may be a bit early to be raising the white flag. If they make it in the playoffs, do you really expect this team do anything except get its collective ass handed to it in the first round? And if by some miracle they survive the opening round, that they wouldn't be hammered in five in the second round? Is that worth keeping a team together for? Is there something so great about being the first loser in the playoffs? And the "trouble" of trading him? Is it that much of a hassle for a GM to make some phone calls? I understand your point, but some return and some cap space not devoted to overpaid, underachieving defensemen would beat where the Leafs are now. Well, Mats missed seven games. He's scored a point-a-game. With those seven games he would be twenty-fifth in league scoring. He's 29th in PPG right now, and yes, he missed seven games -- seven games in which the Leafs barely seemed to notice he was gone, IIRC. Do you suppose he'll play this many games next season, or in a few years if the Leafs sign him to the multiyear deal he'll want? Deal him now while he has value. Hell, maybe you can get him back in a year if you're really that attached.

If they make it in the playoffs, do you really expect this team do anything except get its collective ass handed to it in the first round? And if by some miracle they survive the opening round, that they wouldn't be hammered in five in the second round? Is that worth keeping a team together for? The 2005-06 Edmonton Oilers would probably tell you that squeaking into the playoffs is not always a first- or second-round death sentence. Previous Sundin Leaf teams have had some surprising success in the playoffs...but I guess they can't always expect to play the Senators.... Is there something so great about being the first loser in the playoffs? Each playoff round is "free" money for the teams, so even getting your ass handed to you in the first round is a guaranteed two extra (overpriced) home games. And the "trouble" of trading him? Is it that much of a hassle for a GM to make some phone calls? The "trouble" is that if you don't come out like a bandit when you deal your marquee player, you get vilified by the press/fans. Sure, it might not sound so bad, but when the perception is that you've failed miserably, the upper-level-mucky-mucks might believe that opinion and fire you. I'll ask the question again: Would you recommend the Colorado Avalanche trade Joe Sakic before the deadline? Joe is two years older, costs more money and the Avalanche are 10 points out of a playoff spot. Heck, he is even scoring at a better pace than Sundin so you might even get more for him. I understand your point, but some return and some cap space not devoted to overpaid, underachieving defensemen would beat where the Leafs are now. "Some return and cap space" doesn't win deals, and that's what has to happen for Ferguson. He HAS to win the deal in order to justify dealing the icon player. Besides, what good is cap space if you are going to be trying to build with youth? Rookies/prospects/young players don't cost as much as veterans, so you don't need as much "room" under the cap. As well, we both know that the Toronto hockey franchise is not suffering financially at this point, so saving 20% of his salary isn't that important. Do you suppose he'll play this many games next season, or in a few years if the Leafs sign him to the multiyear deal he'll want? There is no real indication that Sundin is injury-prone or breaking down. The last ten seasons (going back to right after the lockout-shortened-seasons and including projecting this current one), Sundin has averaged over 78 games per season. In the same time period, Sakic has averaged 65 games per season.

Grum, I love the Sakic comparison. Great stuff. Sundin shouldn't go anywhere, unless the Leafs get Getzlaf, P.Bergeron, and the next Staal..and something else too. The Leafs' overpaid and underachieving defense core are doing pretty well in comparison to the league, if you ask me. I don't know the exact stats, but as a team, Leafs scoring from the defense position has got to be top 5. Definitely top 10. And the argument is often made that they don't keep the puck out as well as others, but I'd say that goals against is more a function of team defense, rather than defense personnel. As for getting worse before getting better, JFJ has stated that full blown rebuilding is off the table in Toronto. Rebuilding on the fly is the model of choice, due to ownership concerns. I think the Sharks made a mistake getting Rivet. Wasn't he having conditioning issues this season? And giving up Gorges and a first rounder? Yipes! Atleast they managed to hold onto Carle and Mr.Pickle.

And giving up Gorges and a first rounder? Yipes! I'm as surprised as you Les Glorieux were able to get a first round choice for Rivet. I don't know much about Gorges, but he doesn't look like the dealmaker, here.

It was a first rounder but SJ had two on hand having picked one up from NJ earlier. So, even after the trade, the Sharks still have a first rounder which maybe meant that Montreal could ask for and get a first rounder for Rivet.

Which first rounder did they trade? Theirs or NJ's? Not that it makes much difference, as both will be late. I haven't seen Gorges play enough to have an intelligent opinion of him, but a 23 yr old defenseman playing ~17 mins a game on a Cup contender ain't too shabby.

The 2005-06 Edmonton Oilers would probably tell you that squeaking into the playoffs is not always a first- or second-round death sentence. And so where are the Oilers this season? Are they any closer to establishing themselves as a perennial powerhouse, or they back in the same boat they were last season, hoping and praying to make the playoffs and then catch lightning in a bottle? Every four or five years, a (7) or (8) makes a big run. The rest of them are one-and-done in the postseason, or teams make a move and don't even get in. Is the longshot approach really better than trying to actually build for the future? Previous Sundin Leaf teams have had some surprising success in the playoffs In his 11 seasons in Toronto, the Leafs have reached the conference finals twice and lost both times. I think you and I define "success" differently. Each playoff round is "free" money for the teams, so even getting your ass handed to you in the first round is a guaranteed two extra (overpriced) home games. Now I know our goals are different, as you've accepted the Teacher's Union's measure of a good season. To me, applauding when your team makes it to the second round of the easiest-to-reach postseason in the world is pointless. I'll ask you what I asked Alex Cisneros of The Fan last season when all this same talk was swirling last season -- do you even want to win the Cup? Or are Toronto fans so beaten down and brainwashed that just making it in is good enough? It's not for me. The "trouble" is that if you don't come out like a bandit when you deal your marquee player, you get vilified by the press/fans. You're saying John Ferguson Jr.'s not vilified right now? Christ, the guy can't go to the popcorn stand without being criticized one way or another. Your job as a GM is not to do what the fans want, it's to do what's best for your franchise. If that gets you fired by your upper management, you've taken the wrong job to start with, and they would have canned you for something else stupid sooner or later. Oh, and if they have cap space as they try to rebuild, guess what? They can return some of the cash to the Teacher's Union in lieu of playoff money. Works out great, huh? I'll ask the question again: Would you recommend the Colorado Avalanche trade Joe Sakic before the deadline? Depends. Do you think Colorado, which currents sits 10 points out of a playoff spot, would benefit more in a year or two from an aging Joe Sakic or another couple of high draft picks and a prospect? I vote for the latter.

As a blues fan I am sad to say that if we keep trading players that are worth a crap we will still be the worst team in the NHL. I was hopeful this year, and so far we are a better team than last year but we have a long way to go. The new coach, owners, and hopefully new players are what we need. St. Louis needs hockey back. We have the potential to be a competitive team if we just pull our heads from our butts. I have no complaints at all on our team and Legace is the man gotta love him. No matter if they lose or won finish dead last or first I bleed blue. GO BLUES!!!!!

Mindy, as someone who grew up in St. Louis and worked occasionally for the Blues, it drove me nuts that the team was never able to get over the hump and succeed in the postseason. Trust me, with John Davidson as the GM and Jarko running the draft, the Blues will be in contention -- serious contention, not floudering around in the middle of the pack -- in a few years. Until then, have a Ted Drewe's, relax and enjoy watching the team gel.

God, I would love to see Jason Blake wearing the sightless eye. His speed is perfect for Mixmaster PL's on-ice schemes. (After actually reading the column, I see this: "The Islanders would not trade Blake to an Eastern Conference rival." Makes perfect sense. At least Buffalo can't get their greasy, grimy, gopher guts hands on him either. Same with the Trashers.) After thinking about the trade for Anson Carter, I really like it. We gave up a fifth-rounder for him. So he's rental. Big whoop. It's not like we broke the bank and gave up our future for him.

In his 11 seasons in Toronto, the Leafs have reached the conference finals twice and lost both times. I think you and I define "success" differently. Well, I think upsetting superior teams in the first while suffering through a gauntlet of injuries would be considered a success. Even then, it's still more "success" than say Ottawa has had. For all their "youth", "skill" and "planning", they're treading water as much as the Leafs. If you think that winning the Stanley Cup is the only definition of "success", then I think you're overreaching. I would say that the Maple Leafs' were one of 15-20 teams where winning the Stanley Cup was not in the realm of the "reasonably possible". They don't have the necessary pieces, and trading Sundin at the deadline for late first-round draft picks isn't going to swing the pendulum the other way. What package could the Leafs get for Sundin that is both: 1) acceptable to the other team 2) actually provides them an opportunity to grow in the near future Sure, if the Ducks made an offer of Getzlaf, Perry and a 1st round pick, the Leafs should jump all over that. But if the offer is Getzlaf and a conditional pick, or two lesser-ranked prospects and a draft pick, what's to say that the Leafs "improve"? I'll ask you what I asked Alex Cisneros of The Fan last season when all this same talk was swirling last season -- do you even want to win the Cup? Or are Toronto fans so beaten down and brainwashed that just making it in is good enough? It's not for me. Of course it isn't "good enough" for me. In the long run. But in the short term, what are you proposing? They are in the position to make the playoffs. You are suggesting they blow it all up right now on the chance that the meager package someone offers for Sundin is going to be enough to possibly improve the team 2-3 years down the road? Making a change for the sake of making a change is a ridiculous idea. Depends. Do you think Colorado, which currents sits 10 points out of a playoff spot, would benefit more in a year or two from an aging Joe Sakic or another couple of high draft picks and a prospect? I vote for the latter. Well, Colorado's management is considered one of the better one's in the league, and if they don't feel the need to trade Sakic then what makes it a better idea for the Leafs to trade Sundin? In the abstract, it might seem like a good idea to deal Sundin/Sakic ("We'll get a mountain of can't-miss-prospects and golden draft picks!") but if the offers are B+ prospects and a draft pick in the late 20s of the first round, is that really helping the team? The time to trade Sundin was in the offseason. You can work on a deal in secret and take your time to get the best offer from more teams (not just those making a playoff push). There is no "take the best offer" mentality like at the deadline.

Even then, it's still more "success" than say Ottawa has had. For all their "youth", "skill" and "planning", they're treading water as much as the Leafs. I disagree, and answer this -- who's team would you rather have right now, Toronto's or Ottawa's. The Senators at least are pretty much a lock every year to make the playoffs (the Leafs aren't) and when they do get knocked out, it's a disappoint and surprise (not when the Leafs go down). It's not that Ottawa hasn't done the right things in building a team; they just haven't played well when it really counts. Neither have the Leafs. Also, Ottawa F'd up by letting Chara go. They don't have the necessary pieces, and trading Sundin at the deadline for late first-round draft picks isn't going to swing the pendulum the other way. No, they don't. How do you suggest they acquire those pieces in a more expedient fashion than trading away an aging veteran for draft picks? And again, how is keeping Sundin advancing this team's chances? And no, you're not going to get the world for Sundin. But if Tkachuk is worth what the Blues got, you don't think Sundin is comparable? You wouldn't take a 15-25th pick, two third rounders and a serviceable player for him? Or Corey Perry and a first-rounder? You could certainly package your acquired first-round pick with another pick and move up to grab someone you really like (although given Toronto's track record in the draft, I agree it's a crapshoot). I think Colorado's in the same boat that Toronto is with Sundin. Unless someone presents the Avs with Jesus Christ in skates (plus a draft pick or two), they'd get hammered for pulling that deal. It doesn't mean, however, that they shouldn't take draft picks and prospects for him for the good of the team. I understand what you're getting at, Grum, and I concur to some extent. You can't just give the old boy away. Sundin doesn't even deserve that. But at some point, the Leafs have got to get younger, and you can either let the veterans walk, or you can get something for them. I say roll the dice and hope you can pull a Zach Parise (17th, 2003) or a Simon Gagne (22nd, 1998) out of the hat, or trade up for the guy you want. The money's always there to sign another veteran if you need one, and probably not for $6.8M a year.

The Senators at least are pretty much a lock every year to make the playoffs (the Leafs aren't) and when they do get knocked out, it's a disappoint and surprise (not when the Leafs go down). Who cares if they are a lock to make the playoffs if they don't win the Stanley Cup? ;) But if Tkachuk is worth what the Blues got, you don't think Sundin is comparable? That's a special case. Davidson bent Waddell over the table and Waddell said "Please sir, I want some more." in the process. I can't honestly believe that Tkachuk would have gotten that sort of package from any other team in the NHL. You wouldn't take a 15-25th pick, two third rounders and a serviceable player for him? Craig Johnson Patrice Tardif Roman Vopat 5th round pick (Peter Hogan) next year 1st round pick (Matt Zultek) in two years Eleven years ago on Tuesday, a team that wasn't going to make the playoffs decided to trade away their aging icon player in order to improve their team for the future, and this was the bounty they got. Oops. I'm pretty sure they would have helped their team much more if they had hung on to their most popular player and let him play out the string in that city.

That's a special case. Davidson bent Waddell over the table and Waddell said "Please sir, I want some more." in the process. I can't honestly believe that Tkachuk would have gotten that sort of package from any other team in the NHL. Who knows? If Ferguson had gone to Waddell (who should have been the first call for anyone in the NHL, his ass is hanging out so badly right now) and said, "Look, you want to make a big splash? Send us Braydon Coburn, Michael Forney, and a first-rounder and we'll talk." Maybe he bites, maybe he doesn't, but I bet the call wasn't made. As for the Gretzky trade, he was an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season in which he was dealt. Gretzky had also expressed displeasure that the team seemed not to making progress and had requested a move. The Kings made the right decision -- they just did a shitty job of picking out the talent they got in return, but hell, at least they tried. Remember also that no matter how bad that trade now looks, St. Louis had Mr. Gretzky for a whopping 20 games and gave up three prospects and two picks for that.

In more trade news: The Islanders pick up Richard Zednik from Washington for a second-round pick. Vancouver makes a pair of moves, acquiring Bryan Smolinksi and Brent Sopel from Chicago and L.A. in moves that cost them a second-round pick and second and fourth rounders, respectively. Hitting waivers were names like Bryan Berard, Petr Cajanek and Aaron "Enjoy Telling Your Friends At The Bar How You Mouthed Off About Sidney Crosby, You Unemployed Turd" Downey.

Zednik gives the Isles added depth up front and provides them with another scoring threat. I don't really consider a former one time 30 goal scorer a threat. He was eating up about 15 minutes a game. 15 minutes of mediocrity that is. You gotta love that Isle front office.

MindyK, Fraze is dead on...Davidson, Andy and the new management team are trying to turn this thing around, starting with the Brewer and Legace signings, but be patient. Losing "Tuk-chuk" (a local joke) may sting now, but who knows which draft choice could be the next Crosby? We were crap two months ago, and now we're talking, "how many points are we out?"... Bleed blue, too...

but who knows which draft choice could be the next Crosby? You want a hint? It's this kid. That's why no one is going to be trading their first round pick in the season he becomes available for the draft. The Kings made the right decision -- they just did a shitty job of picking out the talent they got in return, but hell, at least they tried. Remember also that no matter how bad that trade now looks, St. Louis had Mr. Gretzky for a whopping 20 games and gave up three prospects and two picks for that. "Trying" isn't good enough in a deal like that. If the Leafs make a similarly terrible deal, then how could you spin that? Also, I don't think St. Louis really suffered by making that deal as the prospects were terrible (look them up on hockeydb.com) and the players picked up with the draft picks didn't do anything either. As for the Gretzky trade, he was an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season in which he was dealt. Which is the only reason the Kings should have considered dealing Gretzky. However, Sundin isn't a free agent as the Leafs hold an option on him for next season. They aren't going to lose him in this offseason, so there is no rush to deal him before this deadline.

Bill Watters is saying this morning referee Stephane Auger and linesman Jean Morin blew a late high stick on Sundin last night because they were under pressure being Canadian not to make a call against Montreal on its home rink.

Any fan of any team that's ever played the Leafs in the playoffs knows it's not uncommon for non-calls to benefit the hosers-- I mean Canadians. Right guys? Right? C'mon back me up on this one, you know you've thought it.

"Trying" isn't good enough in a deal like that. If the Leafs make a similarly terrible deal, then how could you spin that? Easy -- at least you tried, instead of standing pat and being content to finish 7-12 in your conference every season. It works out or it doesn't. I just don't think the Leafs' fan base has the ability to stomach the possible fallout, which is sad. As I've said, I prefer being awful and having hope to being mediocre and having none. Also, Patrice Tardif had averaged a PPG in the IHL and was highly thought of, Craig Johnson was a second-round pick, and the drafts picks the King screwed up. (Gretzky was a UFA) Which is the only reason the Kings should have considered dealing Gretzky. Well, aside from the fact Gretzky was pissing and moaning about the direction of the team and would have most likely walked for nothing in 20 games. There's that.

Bertuzzi. Whoop-de-fucking-do. He may be a decent player, but I don't think he should even be allowed to play after the Steve Moore incident. If he can help the Wings win a Cup, great. I just hope his stay is a brief one.

With the additions of Richard Zednik yesterday and Ryan Smyth today, here's a look at the Islanders' line-up: Smyth - Yashin - Blake Simon - Kozlov - Satan Zednik - Sillinger - Hunter Tambellini - Nielsen - Asham Those would be some good lines, ya know if Nielsen wasn't part of the trade that brought Smyth to the Island.

Holy shit. Please close and lock all high-rise windows in the Edmonton area. Why should Edmonton fans be suicidal? Their team isn't going to make the playoffs and Edmonton should get something for Smyth. Who cares if he's the heart and soul of the team? The fans should stop accepting mediocrity from the Oilers and support the idea of rebuilding. /snark ;)

Seriously though, that's a HUGE haul for the Oilers. If the Leafs were offered that same package for Sundin, they should have taken it. What would have been funny is if they DID take the package and then finished in a better position than the Islanders...

Why should Edmonton fans be suicidal? For the same reason Leafs fans would have been -- no good one. This was an excellent deal for the Oilers, and again, Edmonton can resign Smyth over the summer if he really wants to play there. Any Oiler fan who cries over this has no sense of the future, and guess what -- if Ryan Smyth had REALLY wanted to stay in town, he would have signed a deal already. Get what you can while you can. Instead, Toronto traded for Yanic Perrault for a third tour of duty (not a bad deal -- we had little use for Brendan Bell in the grand scheme of things, but the second-round pick irks me) and resigned Darcy Tucker for way too goddamned long with a no-trade clause. Thank God I'm a Blues fan.

So which is it, exactly? I should have been a bit more clear. I don't think he should still be allowed to play, but I don't have any say in the matter what so ever. I think he is a goon, but I'm willing to suppress the feelings if Bertuzzi can help bring the cup back to Detroit. However, I hope his stay is as short as possible.

Instead, Toronto traded for Yanic Perrault for a third tour of duty (not a bad deal -- we had little use for Brendan Bell in the grand scheme of things, but the second-round pick irks me) and resigned Darcy Tucker for way too goddamned long with a no-trade clause. The Perrault pick-up is probably a direct result of the Montreal game the night before, when the Habs scored two goals just seconds after winning an offensive-zone face off. Perrault is the top face-off expert in the league. I think the deal was Perrault/5th round pick for Bell/2nd round pick, so it's not as bad as it seems. The Tucker signing, in my eyes, was a good one. They got him for cheap (compared to what he would have gotten in the open market), and his contract ends when he's 36, so it's not like he'll be that far gone. Thank God I'm a Blues fan. That's a rarely heard phrase...

Thank God I'm a Blues fan. That's a rarely heard phrase... Yes true it is but as a Blues fan I think we have the loyalty more than anyone else. Look at our team we have been horrible but people still go and say Go Blues when they see ya wearing a jersey or shirt or hat. We don't need big names to win games like the Red Wings they can be number one when they have the big names but where are they without them, in 4th and falling farther. And yeah they may be in a playoff spot but will they be there next year????? Should be interesting!! GO BLUES!!!!!!!

Apparently the names Henrik Zetterberg, Nicklas Lidstrom, Dominik Hasek, and Pavel Datsyuk don't ring a bell with you. No matter than Hasek is currently leading the league in GAA and third in wins. That Zetterberg and Datsyuk are 17th and 18th in the league in scoring respectively. And let us not forget the four time Norris Trophy winner who is also leading all defensemen in points. Obviously you don't follow hockey much, so I'll just shoot you a little update on the standings. The Red Wings are currently tied with the Thrashers for best record in the Western Conference and are one point behind Buffalo for most points in the NHL. Just about the perfect pace for a playoff berth. Factor in their 4-1-1 record against the St. Louis so far and I'd say the Wings are having an excellent season and are well on their way to a 16th straight playoff appearance.

And yeah they may be in a playoff spot but will they be there next year????? considering how long it's been since detroit's missed the playoffs, i'd say odds are way more likely they'll be there than the "perpetually two years away" blues.